Penrith District Rugby League: Anzac Day footy at Windsor, talking points, week three wrap

Footy fans will be spoiled for choice on Thursday with a big day of local Penrith Rugby League scheduled at Windsor Sporting Complex. Here’s what is making news, week three talking points.

Former schoolboy star Bailey Nouredine proved hard to handle in Glenmore Park’s win over St Marys. Picture: Toby Zerna

There was no shortage of quality on show during the third week of Penrith local footy, but with the round done and dusted, all the talk has switched to Thursday’s historic Anzac Day extravaganza.

Here’s what is making news.

ANZAC DAY FOOTY IS HERE

Thursday is set to go down in local footy history when Windsor host Glenmore Park in an Anzac Day blockbuster.

On a two-match card that includes a Division 3 clash between the Wolves and Hawkesbury, from 1:30pm at Windsor Sporting Complex fans will have the chance to wrap up the public holiday in style.

Speaking ahead of the round three clash, Windsor captain-coach Troy Dargin struggled to contain his excitement.

“All the boys are excited it’s such a big day, both sides won’t be lacking in motivation,” said Dargin.

“I think Penrith District Junior Rugby League general manager Blake South deserves a big pat on the back. I can’t recall A-Grade being played on Anzac Day before, and he also added a Magic Round for later in the season.

“It’s a golden opportunity to put the competition on show and we’re grateful to be part of it.”

Troy Dargin in action for the Wolves. Picture: Steve Montgomery

TACKLING MACHINE

Still on the Wolves. In their first two games Windsor have scored 19 tries, but this week against a strong Brumbies outfit defence could decide the result.

That won’t bother Brad Hoogenboom, in the opening two rounds the workaholic lock pulled off 66 tackles without a single miss.

BEWARE THE SECOND KICK

It’s the modern commentators catchcry, “beware the second kick”.

It worked so well for Colyton on Saturday night they tried it again. Winger Shaun Va’alepu scored off a double banger six minutes in, then amazingly, it happened again 10 minutes later.

BJ Hudd’s midfield bomb took a nasty bounce before James Stonestreet raced over following a James Ross chip kick.

BRUMBIES SHARPSHOOTER

In a close contest, Noah Smith would be a handy one to have on the books.

The Brumbies right-footer was at his best from the kicking-tee in Glenmore Park’s win over St Marys. From either side of the sticks the winger didn’t miss, finishing the night with a perfect seven from seven.

NOT FAR AWAY

After a winless opening two matches, you have to feel for Cambridge Park.

They’ve played enough good footy to win both games but only have a draw to show for their efforts. With plenty of class in the halves and out wide, they play an attractive brand and can’t be far away from a breakthrough.

COMETS CHASE THREE STRAIGHT

Sunday’s St Clair versus Colyton matchup promises to be a beauty.

Colyton are yet to be beaten, and the Comets have wriggled clear in both of their contests to start the season.

The clash of the packs alone makes this a must watch game.

ROUND THREE (25-28 APRIL)

Windsor v Glenmore Park, Windsor Sporting Complex, 3:00pm (Thursday)

Emu Plains v Minchinbury, Leonay Oval, 3:00pm (Sunday)

Brothers v St Marys, Parker St Reserve, 3:00pm (Sunday)

St Clair v Colyton, Peppertree Sporting Complex, 3:20pm (Sunday)

Tori Willie has been named to played for Windsor on Anzac Day. Picture: Contributed

WEEK THREE WRAP

It was all systems go in week three of local Penrith footy, with all four A-grade games taking place under lights on Saturday evening. As the temperatures dropped, the points flowed in another entertaining round where two sides brought up back-to-back victories.

Here’s how all the action played out in our weekend wrap.

BRUMBIES PERFECT START

Glenmore Park Brumbies have kicked off their season in style, overrunning a depleted St Marys 42-6 on Saturday night.

Coming off last week’s bye, the Brumbies showed early signs of rust in a 12-0 opening before easing through the gears with five second half tries.

After showing promising signs in last week’s narrow loss to St Clair, St Marys were crippled from the start. In a physical opening, prop Henry Togise was stretchered from the Kingsway, and by full time they only had one man on the bench.

Glenmore halves Hayden Riley and Jarred Muller-Dobbe initiated the flow of points. First, Riley sent back-rower David Baumann crashing through the left edge, and five minute later Muller-Dobbe opened the door for Josh Fraser to cross on the right.

St Marys looked dangerous at times but were hampered by poor handling. Any hopes of a comeback were dashed immediately after the break when the Brumbies charged ahead 24-0 with barge-over tries to props Andrew Aiono and Mana Aonga.

St Marys’ only joy came through a solo effort to fullback Williams James, but it was overshadowed by a blistering finish from Brumbies hooker Bailey Nouredine.

Bailey Nouredine back in his days with Patrician Bros in 2020. Picture: Toby Zerna

Against a tiring pack, the electric No. 9 stole the show, darting across for a hat-trick in the final 13 minutes.

“We were unsure how we’d go, we’ve still got lots to work on,” said Glenmore Park coach Shawn Stevens.

“St Marys had several injuries and it stopped their momentum, but we lost a front-rower and Hayden Riley with a groin strain five minutes into the second half.

“Our defence won us the game, it was a real strong point.”

Already flagged as player to watch this season, Stevens wasn’t surprised to see his star hooker strike late.

“Bailey was our best, but Aiono played a key role upfront. We lost a couple of forwards but he played the entire 80 minutes at prop.”

With their first win in the book, the Brumbies coach was hesitant to get ahead of himself.

“We will have a better idea of where we stand following Thursday’s clash with Windsor.”

ANOTHER WOLVES RAMPAGE

Two rounds, two big scores. That’s Windsor after the Wolves downed Brothers 44-6 at Parker Street on Saturday night.

Coming off an 11-try rampage over Minchinbury, a confident Wolves ran in another eight including doubles to Eton Lindsay, Connor Mason and Luke McDonald.

Windsor’s mobile pack of giants sent an early warning shot, when Jai Wynbergen brushed aside several tackles to open the scoring. Last week’s hero Dallas Burns then offloaded for Lindsay to rumble over, and when the sides eventually changed ends it was 28-0.

In a rare attacking raid, Brothers forward Zach Nuttall returned serve midway through the second half. The nuggety powerhouse charged at the line, and in the next play Aaron Morris stepped off his left foot to score his side’s only try of the night.

“We know we’ve played two struggling sides, but we are pretty happy with where we are at,” said Windsor coach Troy Dargin, whose side is gearing up for Thursday’s clash with Glenmore Park.

“There’s method to our madness, it’s not just bash and barge, there’s an element of control.

“Right now, we’re just excited to be given a chance to play on Anzac Day. Glenmore Park have an experienced pack, so it promises to be a big day.”

CARDIAC COMETS

St Clair maintained its perfect start to the season after the Comets outlasted a fast finishing Cambridge Park 22-20 at Peppertree Sporting Complex.

In what started as a shootout of the outside backs, St Clair held a slender 10-8 advantage after both sides crossed twice in the opening 50 minutes.

Comets halfback Malakai Houlia continued his good early season form. Following a scoreless 20 minutes, the No. 7 attracted defenders before gifting Leha Fakatava a clear passage to the right corner. Not to be outdone, Cambridge Park hit back and trailed 6-4 when winger Sean Pokia took flight with a spectacular finish out wide.

Tinirau Arona rewound the clock to his scoring days in the NRL. Picture: Mark Evans

After Haratio Edwards chimed into the back line to assist veteran winger Rob Henderson across the stripe, Cambridge Park countered again. No. 2 Jack Mallet added his name to the score sheet following a looping Corey Simpson cut-out pass.

With the contest up for grabs, St Clair co-captain Tinirau Arona showed his experience, stepping up and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck.

After muscling over from dummy-half, the former Shark struck again, holding up a perfect pass for Jordan Kalati to score under the posts.

Trailing 22-8, Cambridge Park still had 20 minutes to reel in the deficit. They scored twice, but the last to Henry Tuiafiso still left them two points short of a breakthrough win.

COLTS STRIKE BACK

A hat-trick to winger Shaun Va’alepu has helped spearhead Colyton to a comfortable 68-10 win over Minchinbury.

Playing on the right edge, Va’alepu flew above his opposite to open the scoring in the sixth minute and he added another two after the Colts led 32-10 at halftime.

In all the Colts piled on 13 tries with back-rower Josh Ross and winger Keegan McGrann both scoring doubles.

The highlight for Minchinbury came midway through the first half, when a clever short side raid gave winger Savelio Pahulu an unimpeded run to the left corner.